| Lough Eske |
|
(From
DonegalDirect.ie)
Peaceful and picturesque, the whole area of Lough Eske, with its
island studded lake, and castle still majestic in its ruins; where
lofty mountains with graceful waterfalls rise above its densely
wooded slopes; where bird song prevails and ancient memories seem
to fill the air is a place where a serene and unspoiled environment
can be appreciated in full.
At Lough Eske, history and natural beauty combine to inspire
native or visitor alike, and past and present harmonise to create a
sensitivity and understanding for Donegal’s most perfect
corner.
Set at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains, with waterfalls at
both North and South, Lough Eske (Loch Iascaigh meaning "lake
abounding in fish") is 3 miles long and 1 mile in width at its
widest point. It fishes Salmon, Brown and White/Sea Trout. There is
a tradition of fishing in November for Char, only one of four lakes
in Ireland that have them. Char come from the Salmon family and
live in deep water so Lough Eske being 102 feet in depth suits
them.
|
 |
| Lough Eske has 12 islands, but the one that is
talked about most is the Isle of O’Donnell with the remains
of a barn or castle. It is said that the O’Donnell’s
used this island to keep prisoners secure which makes it the
Alcatraz of Donegal. |
The Cache
The cache is a tab-lock tupperware container which is only large
enough to hold small trade items.
There is a small rock on top of the cache to hide it from casual
view. Please replace it when you are finished.
When placed the cache contained a log book, pencil, sharpener
and some small trade items.
PLEASE ONLY TRADE UP OR
EVEN.
TBs MOVE BETWEEN CACHES
AND REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE PERSON THAT RELEASED THEM. I DO NOT
COUNT THEM AS TRADE ITEMS.
IF YOU WISH TO TAKE
SOMETHING FROM THIS CACHE PLEASE DON'T LEAVE A TB IN IT'S PLACE.
THANK YOU.
Getting There
Loch Eske is located just off the
N15 between Donegal Town and Ballybofey. It is approximately 7km
from Donegal Town and, although there are a few ways to get there,
it is best approached from the N15. (Click the
map on the right for a larger image)
Follow the signs for Harvey's Point Country Hotel and the road
will bring you past the cache location.
The cache is at one of the many beautiful viewpoints on the lake
and is located on both "The Lough Eske Drive" and "The Bluestack
Drive" and also "The Bluestack
Way". If you want to drive along "The Lough Eske Drive" then
its best to go in a clockwise direction from Donegal Town.
The cache is located on the shore of the lake and is possible to
retrieve from the roadside. However, it is much safer to park at
the nearby car park N54o 41.574 W008o 03.579
and walk along the shoreline.
Boots are recommended and wellies may be required after periods
of heavy rain.
Bluestack Mountains Driving Tour
Download a Guide to this series here
and a Mapsource Route here.
Total Distance: 112Km
No. Of Caches: 10
Approx Duration: 2 ½ - 3 hrs
Road Type: Mainly 3rd class roads. Please keep
speed down and be prepared for the unexpected, such as children,
livestock, walkers, cyclists, agriculture vehicles etc.
If you want to explore the history and the scenery of the Bluestack
Mountains without the effort, then this series is for you. The
route will take you through the heart of the Bluestacks, with each
cache telling a story of a particular aspect of the mountains, from
history to geology of the mountains.
Whilst it can be completed in a couple of hours, we recommend
bringing a picnic and spending the day here exploring this magical
place.
Visit the Geocaching Ireland discussion forum
HERE